The Melville Legacy

Gr 8 Up—Herman Melville was ill-suited for whaling ventures or his stint in the Navy because he suffered from rheumatism and other ailments, yet these undertakings provided authentic background for one of classic literature's greatest tales—Moby Dick. This biographical tidbit helps set the stage for this critical analysis of the 1851 novel from five different experts, including Hofstra University's John Bryant and Melville biographer Laurie Robertson-Laurent. Their unique perspectives are conversational and alternate in segments discussing Melville's influences and philosophies leading to the creation of characters such as Ishmael, Ahab, and Queequeg. Literary devices are mentioned throughout, particularly the symbolism of the great white whale. The interviewees discuss themes such as man vs. destiny and describe how Melville constructed a multi-layered work more concerned with philosophy and speculation than the sounds, smells, or dirty work of the whaling industry. Black-and-white archival film footage of a 1916 whaling expedition appears in the beginning and in transitions between sections, offering a rare glimpse into the backbreaking, dangerous work. While the novel is a daunting read for many high school students, one expert offers reading strategies such as skipping around or reading just for the plot line before attempting to understand the subtext. This advice and the enthusiasm for the work exhibited by the interviewees will support high school or undergraduate students who are reading or plan to read Melville's work.—Vicki Reutter, Cazenovia Jr. Sr. High School, NY